Coasters Bring in First New Signing!

AFC Fylde have landed their first pre-season signing in the shape of Preston-born midfielder, Michael Potts.

Potts arrives from fellow Conference North side, Guiseley, ahead of The Coasters’ first ever season in the Conference North and will add some strength in depth to the Coasters’ pack.

Fylde boss Dave Challinor said of his newest acquisition: “we are delighted that Michael has agreed to join us and it was a bit of a strange run of events that has led to him coming to the club.

“We went to watch the Conference North Play-off Final where Altrincham entertained Guiseley and Michael played for Guiseley. He had a really good game and stood out.”

Potts began his career with Blackburn Rovers but never made a first team appearance before helping York City return to the Football League in the first of a two year stint with the Minstermen, where he made 23 appearances, scoring three times.

He then moved to Guiseley at the start of last season and was part of the team that pushed Altrincham all the way in the Play-off Final.

Challinor added: “doing some research, I spoke to Matt Blinkhorn and saw that Pottsy had been at York for a period. I spoke to him and discovered that he had moved back to the Preston area and was looking for something more local than the commute to Guiseley so it was good for everyone.

“He also fits into the model we are looking to run next season as a ‘hybrid’ full time model. We will have players that will train a couple of mornings a week as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings as we look to develop our off field structure to move forward.”

Challinor believes Michael has all the traits to make a success of his time with his new club, saying: “he’s first and foremost a good footballer that is comfortable in possession of the football, has an eye for a pass, and can get forward to create and score goals. I’m sure he’ll be a success and we’re really looking forward to working with him. I’m sure he’ll be made to feel welcome by all.”